Broccoli and Cauliflower – Broccoli finished in Georgia and suddenly became extremely tight last week after weeks of low-low pricing. Cauliflower remains in shorter supply with prices reflecting the shortages.
Cabbage – Weather has improved in Georgia and Florida and volume is improving but we’re expecting product to remain tight as we move into March in anticipation of St Patrick’s Day menus.
Eastern Vegetables – Hot days in Florida are speeding up production, so farmers are working overtime trying to get all of the product like squash, beans, other items picked before it spoils in the field. This rush of product all at once is expected to cause a gap in a couple of weeks with shorter supplies and a higher market.
Eggs – While the white egg market has gone crazy over the past year, and doesn’t show any sign of getting back to normal, we found a “port in the storm” for our customers. Cage-Free eggs, a premium product, have stayed at contract pricing, lower than white egg markets. So we’ve had a better product, for a better price, for the past 6 months.
Honeydew and Cantaloupes – Both melons remain limited right now with slow harvests in Honduras keeping supplies light. Prices are steady.
Grapes – We’re reaching the glut of the season, with more grapes on the market than shippers can sell. Prices are lower on the heavy volumes.
Lettuce – Iceberg and leaf lettuce supplies are readily available this week with good overall quality. Markets are steadily going down as the supplies are there to fill demand now.
Potatoes – Overall demand for potatoes remains light. Florida has started with new crop reds, yellows, and whites as the storage crop is winding down. New crop reds are already leveling off in pricing with whites and yellows still priced higher. We expect pricing to decline in the next few weeks or so. Lower demand for russets is keeping prices level.
Squash and Zucchini – Quality of yellow squash continues to be an issue in both growing regions. Mexico cannot shake all the issues they have had with weather. Florida is getting into new fields, so we hope quality will improve in the upcoming weeks. Zucchini continues to be available in both regions.
Waiter: “How would you like your steak cooked sir?”
Me: “Like I’m winning an argument with my wife.”
Waiter: “Rare it is sir.”
